Knowledge and Attitude of Medical Students and Doctors towards Artificial Intelligence: A study of University of Ilorin

Abdulhameed Abiola Dere

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Knowledge, Attitude, Medical Students, Doctors

Abstract: This study assesses the knowledge and attitudes of medical students and doctors in University of Ilorin toward Artificial Intelligence (AI) in medical education. It involved a cross-sectional study using an online survey consisting of close-ended questions. The survey targeted medical students at all medical levels and doctors in their postgraduate training. total of 481 medical students and doctors responded. When assessing AI knowledge sources (86.5%) got their information from the media as compared to (13.5%) from medical school curriculum. However, students who learned the basics of AI while being in medical school were more knowledge about AI than their peers who did not and were more interested in the applications of AI in healthcare. The advancements in AI affected the choice of specialty of around a quarter of the students (26.8%). Finally, less than a quarter of students (22.1%) want to be assessed by AI, even though about half (57.7%) reported that assessment by AI is more objective. In conclusion, Although most physicians and medical students do not sufficiently understand AI and its significance in the medical field, they have favorable views regarding using AI in the medical field and a willing to learn the fundamentals. Nigerians medical authorities and international organizations should suggest including artificial intelligence in the medical field, particularly when training residents and fellowship physicians.